COLUMBUS, OH – A former Ashland dentist and his wife were discovered shot to death inside their Columbus home this week, while their two young children were found unharmed in the residence, prompting a homicide investigation with no suspects in custody.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead Tuesday morning after concerned coworkers and friends alerted police to check on the family. The couple’s two children, both under the age of 6, were located inside the home and are now in the care of relatives.
Police received their first call around 9 a.m. from Spencer’s coworker, who reported his unusual absence from work. When initial welfare checks yielded no response, additional calls came around 10 a.m. from concerned individuals who could hear children inside the residence.
A friend who arrived at the home reported seeing Spencer’s body through a window, prompting officers to force entry into the residence.
Investigators said the scene showed no signs of forced entry and no weapons were recovered at the location. Dispatch logs initially referenced a possible robbery, though authorities have not confirmed a motive. Reports indicated Spencer sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
“There were no indications of a murder-suicide,” Columbus Police stated, suggesting investigators are pursuing an unknown assailant.
Coworkers described Spencer’s failure to show up for work or contact the dental practice as completely out of character for the dedicated professional.
The investigation remains active as detectives work to piece together what led to the double homicide.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
